Kranchalk, who will attend Harvard University in the fall, was a three-time captain for the Hurricanes' cross country team.

"I have been running since seventh grade. Before that, I wasn't an athlete at all," said Kranchalk. "I didn't think I could do anything like this. Six years later, I love running and it's made me who I am in so many ways."

Kranchalk says she will continue to pound the pavement, but not at the collegiate level.

"I might join a club," said Kranchalk, "but I will be running on my own in some capacity."